EEL News Service – Issue 2016/05 of 10 August 2016 (special edition)

Dear members of the EEL Network,

We bring to you a special edition issue during the summer break. This special issue consists of three parts:

1. Our Summer Programme ‘Making it Work’ has a wealth of interesting lecturers, like professor Malgosia Fitzmaurice from Queen Mary University of London, Europol environmental crime expert Werner Gowitzke, and the EU principal adviser to DG Climate Action Jacob Werksman. The latter expert is introduced in more detail, and a link to the finalised programme with all speakers and topics is presented. You can still join in!
2. A new post has been added to our EEL Dossiers. It deals with the International Environmental Law aspects of the South China Sea Arbitration Award under UNCLOS.
3. Two vacancies are available at the T.M.C. Asser Institute this fall – one for a European environmental law intern and one for a postdoctoral researcher – and details can be found below.

Kind regards,
Wybe Douma

Summer Programme on International and European Environmental Law

29 August – 2 September 2016, The Hague

Confirmed speaker

Jacob Werksman, Principal Adviser to DG Climate Action at the European Commission

The EU perspective on Paris 2015 and the future of the EU’s Emissions Trading System

Mr Jacob Werksman

The lecture will explore from an EU perspective the domestic regulatory challenges of preparing for the implementation of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. This will include an overview of the Agreement’s ambitious goals, robust rules for transparency and accountability, and dynamic ambition cycle, as well as the commitments by wealthier countries to support poorer countries to reduce emissions and build more resilient societies. Particular focus will be given to the recently agreed and proposed features of the 2030 European Climate and Energy package as the policies that will deliver EU’s target under the Paris Agreement.>>Read more

New EEL dossier posted on the South China Sea Arbitration Award

A new document was posted in the EEL dossier on the international environmental law aspects of the South China Sea Arbitration Award. The piece was written by Līza Leimane and touches upon the issues addressed by the court such as due diligence, EIAs, the use of independent experts as well as the implementation and implications of the case.

On 12th of July 2016, an arbitral Tribunal under Annex VII of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) handed down an Award in the case of the Republic of the Philippines v People’s Republic of China in the matter of the South China Sea Arbitration (PCA Case Nº 2013-19). Environmental aspects formed a considerable part of the 479 pages long Award, and they will be addressed in detail in this piece. The major considerations of environmental issues were included in submissions 11 and 12(b), as presented by the Philippines. These two environmental submissions were related to China’s conduct in two different scenarios: China’s tolerance of harmful fishing practices by its nationals, and the harmful construction of artificial islands and installations on reefs. Philippines sought declarations from the Tribunal that China had violated its obligations under UNCLOS, because it had failed to protect and preserve the marine environment. Some attention is paid to the announcement by China that it will not implement the Award.>>Read more

Vacancies

Call for EEL intern

The T.M.C. Asser Instituut is looking for an intern starting mid-September or early October 2016 for a period of at least three months. The opportunity will allow the intern to enrich their knowledge with the practical experience of working in the field of European and International Environmental Law.

The T.M.C. Asser Instituut, located in The Hague, is a leading inter-university institute operating in the broad field of both international and European law. Its research is of an interdisciplinary as well as comparative nature, covering fields of law such as private international law, public international law, EU law, and international and European sports law. Furthermore, the institute performs both academic and applied research activities, mainly for the EU Institutions and Dutch Ministries.

The Institute’s European Environmental Law (EEL) Network offers one student in the final phase of their studies or post-graduates the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in the area of international and European environmental law for a period of at least three months, with the possibility to an extension for another three months. The internship will provide experience and insight into the discipline of international and European environmental law through the interaction with the researchers and other staff, participation in the numerous events organized by the Institute and experience gained in a legal working environment.

Main tasks:
• Assistance to researchers in their academic research and writings;
• Assistance in the execution of projects;
• Assistance in the maintenance of social media output of EEL;
• Assistance in organizing and promoting upcoming events, such as lectures;
• Updating the EEL Website and drafting EEL News Services (see www.eel.nl)

Interested candidates should:
• be in the final stages of their studies at either a university or a university of applied sciences;
• have good scores for courses on European environmental law;
• have strong research, writing and legal analysis skills;
• be flexible, motivated and capable to work independently;
• be fluent in written and spoken English. Knowledge of other languages (notably Dutch) is an advantage.

What we offer:
• A small stipend is available. Travel expenses will not be reimbursed;
• Exposure to the academic activities at the T.M.C. Asser Institute;
• Guidance of dedicated researchers and an inspiring and dynamic working environment.

How to apply

Interested candidates can send their letter of motivation, their CV, and a recent academic writing to HRM@asser.nl, by 25 August 2016 at the latest. For further information, please contact w.t.douma@asser.nl.

Postdoctoral researcher

The T.M.C. Asser Instituut is a research centre for international and European law. Its mission is to contribute to the development of international and European law by conducting independent fundamental research, policy-oriented research, and applied legal research, as well as by initiating and facilitating academic and expert meetings, (professional) education, and public events with a view to disseminating knowledge of international and European law. The institute is dedicated to building a strong research community and creating an environment that facilitates critical-constructive reflection.